The 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship (Agency-Nominated) is one of the three prestigious awards offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) for outstanding students from developing Commonwealth nations.
This fully funded scholarship provides a unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom, covering tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly living stipend of £1,781.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Developing Commonwealth Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £21,372 Annual Stipend | Airfare Tickets | Accommodation
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Application Opens: September 2, 2025
- Deadline: October 21, 2025
Scholarship Details
Applications for the 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship will open to eligible candidates from developing Commonwealth countries on September 2, 2025.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) administers the UK government’s international scholarship scheme, which aligns with the UK’s global development objectives. Operating under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), the CSC demonstrates the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth by supporting education, innovation, and leadership.
The program seeks talented individuals from diverse backgrounds who exhibit strong academic merit and leadership potential. Upon completing their studies, scholars are expected to return home and apply their skills to drive sustainable development and institutional growth. Through this, the CSC fosters global partnerships and contributes to mutual advancement between the UK and other Commonwealth nations.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of, or have been granted refugee status by, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be ready to commence studies in the UK by September 2026.
- Hold, by September 2026, a first degree of at least Upper Second-Class (2:1) or a Lower Second-Class (2:2) with a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree).
- Demonstrate financial need, showing inability to study in the UK without the scholarship.
- Submit all required documents in the correct format before the application deadline.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful scholars will receive full financial support, which includes:
- Approved airfare from their home country to the UK and return after completion of the program.
- Full tuition fees, covered by agreement between the CSC and UK universities.
- Monthly living allowance (stipend) of £1,452, or £1,781 for students studying in London.
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
- Study travel grant for approved academic-related travel within or outside the UK.
- Child allowance of £622 per month for the first child, and £154 per month for the second and third child under 16, if applicable and living with the scholar in the UK.
Required Documents
In the application form, candidates will be required to:
- List all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications obtained.
- List up to 10 publications or prizes (if applicable).
- Provide a detailed employment history, explaining how each role relates to the proposed program in the UK.
- Write a statement on the relevance of their previous experience to the proposed scholarship.
- Provide the names and contact details of three referees, including one current employer (if applicable).
- Complete a Development Impact Statement in four parts:
- Explain development issues at global, national, and local levels.
- Describe development issues connected to the chosen CSC theme and wider sector.
- Outline how new skills will be applied post-scholarship to create measurable change.
- Identify the expected outcomes, timeline, beneficiaries, and ways to measure the impact.
- Write a personal statement explaining how personal background has shaped their motivation to make an impact, including leadership or voluntary experiences (up to 500 words).
- Upload a scanned passport or national ID card.
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 Commonwealth Masters Scholarship, candidates must:
- Submit applications via the CSC’s online application system.
- Apply between September 2 and October 21, 2025 (all documents must be submitted before the deadline).
- Apply through an official nominating agency, as the CSC does not accept direct applications.
There are two main types of nominating agencies:
- National nominating agencies – the primary application route.
- Selected non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charitable bodies.
Each nominating agency manages its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria or internal deadlines. Applicants should check directly with their nominating agency for specific guidelines.
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